ST. PAUL – Minnesota House committees have begun setting their budgets for the upcoming 2016-17 budget cycle, and State Representative Dave Hancock (R-Bemidji) said the needs of our veterans should be among the top priorities.
"Our veterans put the needs of their county ahead of their own personal needs, and their sacrifices must never be forgotten," Hancock said. "At the legislature, there are a number of provisions we can enact this year that can show our appreciation for their service."
Hancock is co-authoring a number of bills this year that would support those who have previously served our nation. The first would allow an income tax subtraction for military retirement pay, beginning in tax year 2015. Another is a common sense proposal that would allow a person who has successfully completed basic training to obtain a hunting license without having a firearms safety certificate.
People who receive military retirement pay could also see a new income tax subtraction under recent legislation. The total would be equal to $1,500 for each year of active service, up to a maximum subtraction of $30,000.
In an effort to honor and recognize the stories and contributions of Minnesota's veterans, a proposal has also been drafted to appropriate revenue from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to the Minnesota Humanities Center in order to support Veterans Voices Month events and other veterans programs.
Finally, there is the Minnesota Veterans and Quality of Life Act that is being championed by Rep. Hancock that would help construct veterans homes in Bemidji and Montevideo.
"All of these bills are making solid progress in our House committees, and in the coming weeks I'm hopeful we can support these veterans initiatives on the House floor," Hancock said.